Appliances
Video # 24
Airstream Appliances
Classic Rides' host Kevin Tetz continues with the restoration of the 1970 Airstream Overland Yacht Trailer. Now he is working on the kitchen, where he installs a cook top, a microwave and a brand new refrigerator, in this appliance episode.
Kevin says that although the original cook top was working, the show's RV inspector told us that we had a bad gas valve, which is definitely dangerous. So Kevin decided to include a new stovetop in the kitchen make over.
To start, he trimmed out the opening on the cook top. Next, he connects the gas line to the stovetop. He starts with the union to join the gas line to the flex-line on the cook top. He also reveals an old school trick: run some soap on the threads. According to Kevin, this acts as a really nice thread seal.
A brass union fitting is attached to the main gas line, and a new flexible gas line is connected to the fitting, and tightened. With the gas line connected, he can slide our stovetop base in. He uses a drift to punch out a new knockout hole in the new stovetop. He threads the gas line through the hole.
A plastic collar protects the line through the hole. And a new gas line is connected to the new stovetop regulator. He recommends using two wrenches to support the line you are actually tightening because using one wrench will just stress or bend the line.
To secure the stovetop he simply secures the frame holes into the countertop and screws the stovetop to the counter. Once the stovetop is secured to the base using two thumbscrews, he sets the grills in place.
Next, he works on the microwave oven. Originally, what was installed was a vintage oven. Kevin does not see the need for a conventional oven, and prefers a microwave instead. However, the opening is too large for the microwave, and the microwave requires more depth.
So Kevin creates a mounting surface for the space. He built a base and framework to support the new microwave. The microwave has a plug, so Kevin got an electrician to hardwire it into the existing 110 circuits. The microwave is now centered in the opening and there is room on the outside for ventilation. He also applies a faceplate and a frame.
Next, he installs a refrigerator. He modifies the base on the original space where the old fridge was, and adds a vent hole for ventilation. He also created a nice surrounding trim that will be covered with boards that match the countertops.
And the kitchen is now completely refurbished and upgraded.
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